Sarah & Jessica: How We’re Adjusting to Life in Uganda

Jessica Funk and Sarah Rozendal are ICS students who have just started their third-year internships working with Watoto Ministries in Uganda, Africa. Here’s a fun look at how they’re adjusting to all the differences – little and big – between life here in BC and life in Uganda.

Our first few weeks in Uganda!

With almost three weeks of living in Uganda under our belts, we thought we’d share a few things about living in Uganda and how we have been adjusting to life here!

STAY OFF THE GRASS – Did you know it is illegal to walk on the grass in Kampala? We found out the hard way… jk. We are law-abiding citizens.

JUST GO WITH THE FLOW – The people here run on “Island Time”, in other words, if a bus is suppose to leave at 7:00am, it’s actually leaving at 7:30am. Or 8:00am. Well, most likely 9:00am.

MOM, WE’VE CHANGED OUR NAMES – We now both go by “Muzungu” or “White Person.” As we drive through the city we often hear people saying our new name!

TRAFFIC JAM – We’re pretty sure there’s only one traffic light in Kampala… if there is any confusion, just remember, you have the right of way. Unless you’re a pedestrian… than stay off the road. And if there’s any space, just go for it… make your vehicle fit. But it’s totally safe mom!

WE FEEL LIKE A MILLION BUCKS – Yet we’re poorer than we think. With the change in currency our $400 USD became 1 million shillings!

ROLEX – this week we invested in two Rolexes…. and no, not the watch, but rather a delicious breakfast wrap, Ugandan style!

With less than three weeks living here, the red dirt has already stained both our feet and our hearts.